I really like how the jeans look and I'm interested to learn more about them. The problem is that I don't know where to begin; there's just so much information out there. I've tried doing a bit of reading but it's difficult to string information together from here and there.

Try the APC new standards... pretty good fit... Nice place to start for raw noobies...

Ok so I have one person saying to size up the waist and one saying not to. Can I get a tiebreaker vote?

I am a 32-32/34 is most pairs of jeans so I am thinking either a 32-38 or a 34-38.

P.S. I am having trouble with the free shipping promo on Levis. I am getting the 15% off the jeans but not the free shipping. Anyone know how to fix it.

Try them on wherever you buy them. I tell you to go TS because it's pretty commonly accepted and promoted here. What's more I've done the STF experiment, and in the case of Levi's, sizing up in the waist just made the jeans baggy and falling off my butt. When you put them on in their raw state, have the waistband fitted but comfortable. Regardless of tagged number, get the waist where you want it, with 2-3 inches of excess length. Then sit in a warm bath with them on, and they'll shrink down to where you want them in all dimensions.

No, take the smaller size... In account for stretch. If you are afraid the waist will shrink too much, trt wearing them while damp, or soak while wearing. Or put a clamp between the waist while soaking so it won't shrink too much. 34-38 will fall of your ass after a few weeks of wear.

Any recommendations for selvedge jeans that are a bit looser around the thighs/calves. Used to play fullback in high school so my legs are pretty thick. My waist is 34 or 36 depending on the brand so most selvedge jeans I tried on at Barney's were a bit too tight.

APCs or Naked and Famous are good starting points (tons of others). I'd suggest getting first pair from a decent store with good staff so they can help choose a good cut for you, sizing down etc. If you say where you live I'm sure there will be a lot of suggestions for helpful places